The
following are summaries of today's major stories published in the Arabic
press.
LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving
English-language
readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers across
the Arab
world
According to
An-Nahar daily the EU Commissioner for Enlargement
and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule’s visit to Beirut was planned last
year but canceled after the resignation of former PM Saad Hariri.
The newspaper added that Fule’s visit came to foster bilateral relations
between Lebanon and the European Union and to raise cooperation in
several fields, pointing out that the European Union is looking forward
to help Lebanon improve its rule of law and the bureaucratic system to
avoid the same mistakes done before.
An-Nahar reported that the regional political situation was also
present in Fule’s discussions with Lebanese political figures as well as
the current situation in Syria, the peace process in the Middle East
and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Despite the political gap present in the country today Fule told the
reporters in a discussion that the Government should be more considerate
and cooperate with all political parties to improve the democratic
system in the country.
According to
Al-Akhbar newspaper, the member of the Future
Movement political bureau MP Mustafa Alloush accused the Syrian Regime
and the Eid family of fanning the flames of political tensions in
Tripoli and Bab al-Tabbaneh.
Alloush told the newspaper he is not worried about Tripoli’s stability
unless the Syrian Regime and intelligence manipulate the Eid family to
create political tension in the area.
Alloush added that the security forces in collaboration with the
Lebanese Armed Forces should consider disarming all political parties
and armed groups in Tripoli especially from March 8 political parties
who are certainly well armed.
According to
Al-Akhbar newspaper, officials from the Palestinian
Liberation Organization (Fateh) pointed out that the Head of the
Palestinian Intelligence in the West Bank General Majd Farah’s visit to
Lebanon three weeks ago was to reorganize all Palestinian factions and
their armament in the camps.
The officials added that that Majd stressed on the need to foster
collaboration between the factions and the Lebanese authorities.
Sources close to Majd told Al-Akhbar that there is a possibility that
armed Palestinian factions would be joined in one armed group in charge
of keeping peace and security in the camps.
According to An-Nahar the members of the Security Council called on
Lebanon and its government to abide by international law and resolution
and to take responsibilities of signed treaties especially the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon and its funding.
According to
As-Safir newspaper the head of the General
Confederation of Lebanese Workers Ghassan Ghosn said that the decision
regarding the wage issues is now in the hand of the government
especially after Shura Council decision, adding that the previous
decision should be fixed in order to meet workers’ demands.
In this regard, Ghosn told An-Nahar newspaper that if PM Mikati respects
governmental decision and Shura Council resolutions he should abide by
these decisions and adjust wages above 18000000 LBP.
Ghosn stressed that the CGTL still holds the same demands; a
proportional salary raise by 20%, 40% and 60% depending on the salary
According to
Asharq Alawsat newspaper Future Bloc member MP Ahmad
Fatfat commented on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour
statements regarding the Syrian embassy saying “The Syrian ambassador
should be summoned and questioned on his statements, we cannot tell the
difference between the Syrian ambassador and Adnan Mansour anymore as
they both have the same statements.”
“Is Adnan Mansour the Foreign Minister of Syria of Lebanon?”
Asked about the kidnapping of the Jassem brothers and the rumors saying
they were under house arrest in Syria Fatfat told the newspaper that the
General Prosecutor Judge Said Mirza tried calling the Jassem family but
they were not responsive, calling on the Syrian Ambassador to reveal
the fate of the kidnapped brothers.